The hubbub and general panic soon reached the Emperor’s chambers. His royal advisors rushed in, their faces pale, whispering of ghostly soldiers and clattering helmets. Emperor Akbar, who was usually very calm, raised an eyebrow. ‘A ghost, you say? In my palace? Nonsense! Go and fetch this ‘ghost’ at once!’
Slowly, very slowly, a few brave soldiers, with their knees knocking, ventured out and found Thomas standing calmly at his post, looking perfectly healthy, if a little bewildered by all the fuss. They led him, carefully, to the Emperor’s throne room.
Emperor Akbar took one look at Thomas, standing tall and strong, his cheeks rosy and his eyes bright. My word, he was utterly astonished! ‘Thomas!’ he exclaimed, his voice filled with amazement. ‘How can this be? You… you ate the lime! You should be… well, you should not be here at all!’